Tokyo’s hosting of the 2020 Olympic Games will generate up to ¥20 trillion in spillover effects for the economy, according to a projection released by a think tank on Jan. 6. The Institute for Urban Strategies said in its report that hosting the Olympics could create roughly 1.21 million jobs nationwide if the government gets around to deregulation. The figure combines the institute’s estimate with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s projection of ¥3 trillion in positive economic effects partly based on demand for infrastructure. According to the institute, hosting the Olympics is expected to bring about ¥16.4 trillion in positive effects thanks in part to tourism, which means more facilities will be needed to accommodate foreigners, and a boost in consumption. The institute also predicts that jobs will be generated as more foreign companies enter the Japanese market to take advantage of deregulation.

Conversation between a husband and wife

H: Orinpikku-de gaikokujin ryokōkyaku-ga fueru-mitai-da. (It seems that the Olympic will boost the number of foreign travelers.)